YMCA Calgary is part of a global movement of YMCAs in more than 125 countries. Through our International department, we gain "a global perspective and participation withing the world community" (from YMCA Mission & Values). Importantly, we are given an opportunity to help create a world where all can experience social justice. The YMCA Calgary International department is commited to:
YMCA Peace Week happens during the third week in November. Taking place in YMCAs across Canada, YMCA World Peace Week is an opportunity to join people of all ages in activities focused on exploring peace from a local and global perspective.
YMCA believes peace is more than the absence of war. It requires the presence of something - the recognition of basic human rights and the provision of basic human needs. Since 1984, YMCAs across Canada have spent the third week in November organizing special activities to engage children, youth and adults in exploring peace from local and global perspectives. Annually, YMCA Peace Week brings Associations together with international partner YMCAs and hundreds of school and community partners in a week long event that highlights our common interest in creating a more just and peaceful world.
YMCA Peace Medals
Since 1991, YMCA Calgary has been recognizing peacemakers who inspire and affect the lives of others through peaceful endeavours. This is related to the actions of YMCAs in 127 countries who have recognized YMCA Peace Day since 1981 and then expanded on the initiative in 1984 by dedicating a full week to exploring peace from a personal, community and international perspective.
The annual YMCA Calgary Peace Medals (awarded the third week in November) honour youth and adults who inspire and impact others. YMCA Calgary Peace Medals recognize efforts of individuals, groups and youth in the categories of Local, International and Humanitarian Peace Initiatives—and remind us we all play a part in building a more peaceful world. We all know someone whose actions and values contribute to peace locally or abroad—nominate someone for a YMCA Peace Medal. View our YMCA Calgary Peace Book. Find out more about becoming a YMCA Peace Medals sponsor.
Nominations for 2013 Peace Medals Recipients are now open.
We are now accepting nominations for our 2013 Peace Medals recipients. YMCA Peace Medal nomination is a great way to honour someone for their dedication to peace. Your nomination also helps create awareness about community needs and inspires others to get involved.
The nomination categories are:
Community Peace Initiatives by an Individual
Community Peace Initiatives by a Group
Community Peace Initiatives by a Youth
International Peace Initiatives by an Individual
International Peace Initiatives by a Group
International Peace Initiatives by a Youth
Humanitarian Peace Initiative
YMCA Calgary Staff Peace Initiative
Download the Nomination Package
Updateable Form (PDF) or
Editable Word Document (DOC)
Early Submission deadline: June 8, 2013
More than 13,500 children and youth were involved in YMCA Calgary activities in 2012 which empowered the young people to act as global citizens. Global education is particularly emphasized during:
- YMCA Peace Week (November)
- Global Youth Summitt (March/April)
- Day Camps (July/August)
- Partnerships/Theme Days
YMCAs build strong kids, strong families and strong communities not only in Calgary, but also in more than 120 countries around the world. Partnerships promote sharing of knowledge and resources with YMCAs in other parts of the globe and provide opportunity to support local community development work abroad. Through exchanges, staff and volunteers from both associations learn from each other's strengths and benefit from exposure to new cultures/perspectives.
Partnerships are:
- Grassroots: Involving local YMCA staff, volunteers and program participants
- Youth-focussed: Building the leaders of today and tomorrow
- Long-term: Relationships are built over many months and years
- Multi-lateral: Both partners benefit and learn from each other. Exchange participants bring home knowledge to share and help YMCA grow.
Current YMCA Calgary international partnerships:
- Together with other YMCAs in Alberta, we are involved in financially supporting YMCA Bogota’s Home Abandonment program.
- We have forged a partnership with YMCA Ukraine to promote mutual growth and learning.
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Through the YMCA Casas project, we are committed to protecting, educating and reintegrating youth detained or deported at the US-Mexico border by helping to expand the chain of YMCA youth shelters (casas) along the border.
YMCA Calgary's Emergency Response Fund assists other YMCAs around the world in times of crisis. Money is raised year-round and funds are disperesed when an international YMCA appeals to YMCA Canada for emergency relief.
Find Out More
Contact the International Initiatives & Community Outreach Director at 403-293-0424 Ext. 114 for further information about YMCA International initiatives.
